Rising energy costs and ambitious national climate targets are pushing many UK homeowners to rethink how they heat their homes. For the people who are looking forward to making a meaningful change, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers a practical incentive.
In this highly informative blog, we are going to break down the updated air source heat pump eligibility checklist so you can take a confident step toward more cost-effective heating to make our future cleaner.
What Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
Launched to accelerate the UK’s shift to low-carbon heating, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers financial support to homeowners in England and Wales looking to move away from gas and oil-based systems. This scheme was introduced for the first time in 2022 and since then it has been extended and improved in response to rising demand and the UK’s broader push for net zero.
Eligible applicants can receive £7,500 toward the cost of installing an air source heat pump through this scheme. This funding is paid directly to the installer and deducted from your final bill upfront which makes this transition far more accessible for homeowners across the UK.
Who Is Eligible for the Grant?
The applicants must meet several key conditions to be eligible to avail air source heat pump grant. Homeowners and private landlords can access the air source heat pump grant to support the switch to low-carbon heating. To qualify, the property must hold a valid Energy Performance Certificate without any outstanding recommendations for cavity wall or loft insulation.
The air source heat pump grant system being replaced must rely on fossil fuels, such as gas, oil, or electric resistance heating and not already include a heat pump.
New builds are excluded unless you are building the home yourself, in which case self-build properties can still apply. In landlord situations, tenants must be informed before work begins.
Which Heating Systems Qualify?
When it comes to technology, the scheme focuses on tried-and-tested low-carbon heating systems that are proven to reduce emissions:
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)
Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air to warm your home. To qualify for this scheme, the system must be an air-to-water heat pump. Air-to-air models, which deliver warm air through internal fans, are not eligible under current BUS rules.
What Property Requirements Apply?
Not all properties automatically qualify, even if they are owner-occupied. To meet the updated air source heat pump eligibility standards in 2025, the home must be located in England or Wales. Social housing is not eligible. Properties built by developers are excluded unless they are self-builds.
Conversions and substantial renovations may be eligible under the scheme if they meet standard requirements, including a valid EPC and sufficient insulation. Shared systems are only permitted in specific cases, such as shared ground loops, provided each property has its own separately installed heat pump.
How the Application Process Works
As a homeowner, you are not expected to navigate the complicated process yourself. Once you select an MCS-certified installer, they’ll take charge of assessing your property, preparing a quote, and submitting your application to Ofgem.
A grant voucher will be then issued if your application gets approved. After completing the installation, the installer finalises the process by redeeming the grant voucher directly with Ofgem. The grant amount is deducted from your total invoice at the outset, meaning you only pay the remaining balance.
Vouchers for air source heat pump installations are valid for three months, while those for ground source heat pumps remain valid for six months. Installers are required to maintain full documentation and meet compliance standards to ensure funding is applied correctly.
What’s New in 2025?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme has seen several positive updates this year, aimed at reducing barriers for homeowners and broadening access to the grant.
The outdated one-metre clearance requirement has been lifted which makes it easier to install systems in smaller or urban gardens. Installers now have more flexibility in placing units on smaller properties or in tighter spaces. The maximum size allowance for heat pump units has also been increased from 0.6 to 1.5 cubic metres, opening the door to more powerful systems that can serve larger homes.
Detached homes can now accommodate two units if needed, helping to meet higher heating demands. Additionally, updated planning rules now allow installations in locations previously restricted, such as properties facing directly onto highways which makes this scheme more accessible across urban areas.
Infinity: Your Partner in Smart Heating
At Infinity, we work closely with homeowners to guide them through every stage of the upgrade, from assessing your home’s eligibility to managing the full installation and grant application process.
Our team is fully MCS-certified and experienced in delivering high-performance air source heat pump solutions that meet both your energy needs and the scheme’s technical standards. We take pride in simplifying what can feel like a complex process, offering expert advice, transparent pricing, and long-term support.
We also work with trusted suppliers like Daikin to ensure you benefit from cutting-edge efficiency and performance. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, reduce your carbon footprint, or simply future-proof your home, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Conclusion
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme represents one of the most generous and practical energy incentives available to UK homeowners. With a grant of £7,500 and updated 2025 rules that reduce previous barriers, now is the perfect time to explore your options.
If you’re thinking about switching to low-carbon heating, reviewing your air source heat pump eligibility should be your first step. With the right guidance and a trusted installer, accessing government funding has never been more straightforward.
Visit Infinity today to begin your journey toward a more efficient, sustainable, and affordable heating system.